Smarter Snacking for you AND the Kids
I’m not a strict mother when it comes to snacking. I don’t have time to police the pantry, and I would be a hypocrite to do so (since I’m a grazer myself). We don’t have junk food in the cupboards anyway, but my kids could definitely put away their fair share of the pretzel crop. This can go on until just before dinner is on the table. I’ve tried cutting them off at 3pm or so, and making them actually BE HUNGRY for dinner, but again, I would have to be sitting in front of the pantry, and I choose other things to do.
So tonight, I put out the appetizer tray. Picked this one up for $1.50 with the Christmas dishes. Between 3:00 and dinner, they ate the entire tray! How easy was that. Then I didn’t feel so bad when their dinner veggies got a token bite taken out of them.
Snacking on fruits and vegetables is the best healthy habit you can teach your children. As they begin to develop a palate for fruits and vegetables they will crave them more and more. Many times you just need to make it available and convenient for them! My friend Eliece started doing this a year ago. But she would buy the pre-cut trays from Costco, and then just pull it out of the fridge every night as she prepared dinner. It was a healthy behavior change that was good for everyone.
Be sure to stop by tomorrow for another giveaway: Here’s a clue Mizfit style.
Tips and tricks with your kids in mind;
this woman has answers I’m sure you’ll find.
I’ve tried many, now you can as well
Come back tomorrow and I will tell.
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Posted: November 13th, 2008 under Fruits and Vegetables, Snacks.
Tags: Fruit, fruits, healthy habits, kids, Snacks, vegetable tray., Vegetables
Comments
Comment from p/f
Time November 13, 2008 at 7:20 am
This might be the perfect way to get my 3-y-o on the veggie bandwagon. I never had a problem getting vegetables into my older two boys, and didn’t understand people who said their kids were picky eaters UNTIL G was born. He is tough, but if I put a veggie tray out for him daily, maybe he’d expand his palate beyond broccoli and green beans. I’ll try it today – thanks for the idea!
Comment from cathy
Time November 13, 2008 at 8:02 am
Sadly, this would work great with my 2 yr old, but not with my uber-picky 5 yr old. He’ll just not eat if the only choice is raw celery or carrot. Sigh. But he WILL eat edamame like it’s going out of style!
I will be trying this, though. My daughter will go for it (as will I), and maybe – just maybe – my son will give it a try (but I’m not holding my breath).
Comment from Blake
Time November 13, 2008 at 8:14 am
Great snacking tips. My first time to your blog and I love it. thanks for the great stuff!
Comment from Debbie Davis
Time November 13, 2008 at 8:24 am
You have really great ideas! My oldest is 14 – but I’m going to put out the veggie tray! Moms need veggies too, right? LOL!
Comment from Kristie
Time November 13, 2008 at 11:35 am
we have the grazing problem around here too. the veggie tray is a great idea. my kids will eat them with ranch. i suppose it is better than not eating their veggies at all.
Comment from Liz
Time November 13, 2008 at 1:23 pm
What do you use for the dip?
Comment from Amy
Time November 13, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Mark, thanks.
p/f. they certainly are all different, aren’t they? Although I never had one that loved their veggies. they are getting there though.
Cathy; edamame?!?! REALLY? What a good kid.
Debbie, yes, moms too!
Kristie, it is better than nothing at all. There are so many nutrients.
Liz, I’m always buying the ranch packets, then I dump some of it into light sour cream or plain yogurt. Plain greek yogurt is really good too (with the ranch packet)
Comment from MizFit
Time November 13, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Love the post and the surprise shout out!
(Tomorrow @ Miz? An icecream give it is!)
Comment from Lance
Time November 15, 2008 at 4:29 am
Making it convenient for them – I love that idea! (and why haven’t I tried this before??)
Comment from Sharyn
Time November 16, 2008 at 10:59 am
Great idea – my kids have been always been good with eating fruit and vegetables as snacks insted of the usual chips or cookies. But you need to start them on it as they are young otherwise it is difficult for you to get them to try soemthing new.
Comment from David Goldbeck
Time November 16, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Amy,
I think it is possible to never have to say “eat your vegetables” again. That’s why I wrote “The ABC’s of Fruits & Vegetables and Beyond.” There is no doubt that the foundation of a healthy diet and weight control is the significant consumption of vegetables and fruit. Unfortunately, many adults do not like these fine foods – so we must make sure kids don’t develop these attitudes. Parents and teachers interested in getting kids to develop friendly feelings towards fruits and vegetables should take a look at a new book called “The ABC’s of Fruits and Vegetables and Beyond.” Out only a few months and already being bought in quantity for class use. Suited for kids of all ages as it is two books in one – children first learn their alphabet through produce poems and then go on to more mature activities. It is coauthored by best-selling food writer David Goldbeck (me) and Jim Henson writer Steve Charney. Say hello to us at HealthyHighways.com
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Time January 16, 2009 at 8:52 am
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Comment from Leanna
Time May 6, 2009 at 6:52 am
Great idea about the veggie tray – I will try this tonight on my kids and let you knwo what happens.
Comment from Mark
Time November 13, 2008 at 5:49 am
I love this…..awesome tips!